Payson, Seth.  Proofs of the Real Existence, and Dangerous Tendency, of Illuminism; containing...what Dr. Robison and the Abbe Barruel have published on the subject... Charlestown: Samuel Etheridge, 1802. First separate edition.
12mo. iv, [2], 5-290 pp. Full contemporary sheep, red leather spine label titled and bordered in gilt. General wear with some leather loss at extremities, upper joint and two of three cords split.

A fragile but complete copy of a scarce, early work on the Illuminati - an enduring subject of conspiracy theories since the late-18th century. Payson, a Congregational minister, offers a colorfully dire warning to his American audience through a summary of contemporary European literature on the subject. [Sabin 59316]

$450.00